SCST shows support for athletes participating in Asian Games and Asian Para Games

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, this morning (September 14) visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to learn about the athletes' preparation for the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games, as well as cheering for them.

     Accompanied by the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Sam Wong; Vice Chairmen of the Board of Directors of the HKSI Mr Chew Fook-aun and Mrs Jenny Fung; and the Chief Executive of the HKSI, Dr Trisha Leahy, Mr Yeung toured various facilities at the HKSI. These included the fencing hall, the badminton hall and the Wushu hall, where the visiting officials exchanged views with elite athletes and coaches and learned about their training arrangements as well as the support provided by the HKSI. Mr Yeung took the opportunity to express his best wishes to the athletes, hoping that they will give their best and bring glory to Hong Kong. 

     Mr Yeung, together with the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, and Mr Wong, also met with judo and cricket athletes yesterday afternoon (September 13) while they were preparing for the Games at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre and the Craigengower Cricket Club respectively and cheered for them.

     Mr Yeung said, "While the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games will be held in Hangzhou, it means a lot for our athletes of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to compete in our country. During their stay in Hangzhou, I also hope they could have a deeper understanding of the development of our country. By having more exchanges and interactions with athletes of other delegations, they would demonstrate the demeanour of great Hong Kong athlete."

     The Asian Games and the Asian Para Games will be held during September 23 to October 8 and October 22 to 28 respectively. Hong Kong, China will send about 660 and about 98 athletes for the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games respectively. In addition to the HKSI's support to athletes competing in elite sports events, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has also approved from the Arts and Sport Development Fund (Sports Portion) a grant of $77 million in preparation funding to support other athletes and their teams preparing for both Games.